12Nov 4 CFL softbox review video
I’m slowly catching up on equipment reviews I’ve been putting off, my schedule has been all over the place. I posted this 4 CFL softbox awhile back, started using it for product lighting and forgot to post a full review. I’ve been using it for a few months without any problems so that’s a pretty good sign of how well it works.
Basically assembling the softbox is like building a tent, you have to lock in each of the flexible rods then try and force them into little pockets at the end of the soft box. It takes some time, but once you’ve finished you’re left with a decent affordable softbox. This sort of setup is fine if you only need to assemble the unit once, but it’s probably not the best way to go if you plan to take these lights on the road.
The head does offer up the option to use an umbrella mount in the center which could make it a little more travel friendly. Just make sure you have a good way to transport all of those CFL bulbs. Maybe an old camera bag might be a good choice for that.
You can pick this up in two basic flavors, $35 for the softbox and head only (no lights or stand), or $120 for a 3 peace kit
which includes heads, stands and lights. Personally it seems like the kit version is a better deal, but remember some of the CFL’s included in these kits are substandard at the these prices and the light stands included usually don’t have a very wide base which makes them easy to tip over. If you want these lights to last you a long time it might be worth it to spend a little extra on some heavy duty light stands. I’ve had pretty good luck with Linco stuff
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November 13th, 2012 at 11:37 pm
If you take a strip of duct tape and run it along the poles when they are inserted, you never need to take them out. Just a matter of inserting the ends into the socket base. It cut down considerably on setup and take down times. I may need to publish a video with mine.
November 14th, 2012 at 5:16 am
That’s a good idea. Several people also mentioned using metal rods from home depot as a quick trick to make the kit more durable.
November 14th, 2012 at 7:03 pm
I’ve had zero issues with the rods themselves. Come to think of it, I’m pretty rough on them, and bend from the ends when trying to insert. I don’t bother with the smaller white baffle sheet; it just eats into setup time and the diffusion with one sheet is more than enough.
I’m also working on making a box with foam that can store 20-24 bulbs in. I still have all the bulbs in their original boxes which eats lots of setup time. I’m also very careful when handling them. The plastic base and the two tube ends that go into the base of the bulb can gain more and more wiggle room. After a while, you will need to hold the bulb in a certain position to get light. (much like charging ports that get too much use and don’t fit snug without a rubberband)
November 14th, 2012 at 9:34 pm
This afternoon I turned one on and the light switch broke, it is now stuck in the on position. The rods included are better then some of the cheaper models out there but the light sockets could be a problem after lots of use. I’ve been testing out a couple of these bags. The price is a little high but it does a good job.
November 21st, 2013 at 12:51 pm
I want to use this in my photo booth. Do you think I can clamp a caribiner and hang it from a tent? Also, will this hold 85w bulbs?
Thanks!
November 21st, 2013 at 1:06 pm
Maybe to the first, Yes to the second.